Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Greg has just started middle school, where half the kids are scrawny lightweights and the other half are six feet tall and have to shave every morning. In this illustrated journal, Greg takes us through a year of sixth grade, of moldy cheese on the basketball court and wrestling units in Phys Ed, of sneaking video games past Mom and avoiding the bullies from high school, of homework and popularity contests. And, of course, there are the ups and downs of his relationship with his best friend and sidekick Rowley, especially when Rowley stumbles into the popularity that Greg so desperately wants. Greg's growing pains are leavened with humor and comical drawings in this wry story.

Rodrick Rules: Poor Greg is just about to head back to junior high after a lousy summer. Despite his protests, Greg's had to join the swim team again. Even though this was the first summer their coach let the team wear swim trunks instead of skimpy racing suits, Greg had to wear his big brother Rodrick's hand-me-down bathing suit - which barely covers him! Still, Greg does develop a nice Saturday ritual with his dad: escaping to the mall to avoid his brother Rodrick's heavy-metal band practices. But when Rodrick uncovers a major secret about Greg in his journal, he coerces Greg into all kinds of things, including cleaning up after one of his wild parties while their parents are away. Your young readers will be laughing one minute and feeling sympathy for Greg the next as they identify with the perils of peer pressure and the bullying tactics of an older sibling.

The Last Straw: Let’s face it: Greg Heffley will never change his wimpy ways. Somebody just needs to explain that to Greg’s father. You see, Frank Heffley actually thinks he can get his son to toughen up, and he enlists Greg in organized sports and other “manly” endeavors. Of course, Greg is able to easily sidestep his father’s efforts to change him. But when Greg’s dad threatens to send him to military academy, Greg realizes he has to shape up . . . or get shipped out.

Greg and his family and friends, who make the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books a must-read for middle school readers, are back and at their best in this hilarious new installment of the series, which is sure to please current fans while attracting new ones.